Like the rest of New York City, Red Hook has felt the catastrophic impacts of the coronavirus. A number of local charitable efforts and organizations have emerged in recent weeks to assist Red Hook residents who need help during this challenging time.
Several community members have formed Red Hook COVID-19 Relief, a volunteer committee that is eager to assist neighbors with whatever problems they may face during the pandemic. Call 646-481-5041 or email redhookcovid19@gmail.com to contact a helper.
Good Shepherd Services is handing out free grab-and-go meals at the Miccio Center (110 West 9th Street) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm. The New York City Department of Education is doing the same every weekday at two public schools in Red Hook, PS 15 (71 Sullivan Street) and PS 676 (27 Huntington Street), with distribution from 7:30 am to 11:30 am for families with children and from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm for adults.
The Regenerative Resource Network, which operates the event space RE:GEN:CY at 22 Commerce Street and the Above & Beyond Collective Impact Network, is offering new, “socially and environmentally responsible” household goods at discounted prices for curbside pickup. Items for sale include diapers, cleaning spray, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and coffee. “We purchase them at wholesale price, and then we pass along the savings and don’t operate the store at a profit,” founder Ashley Taylor explained.
Markdowns range from 25 percent to 50 percent below retail price, depending on household income. Email apply@re-gen.exchange to place an order.
Mutual aid networks have popped up all over the city. The South Brooklyn Community Mutual Aid Group, whose broad coverage area includes Red Hook, can buy and deliver groceries, prepare cooked food, and pick up prescriptions, among other tasks. Visit southbkmutualaid.com.
Brooklyn Mutual Aid – founded as Carroll Gardens Mutual Aid before its expansion – serves several neighborhoods close to Red Hook, including Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, and the Columbia Street Waterfront District. Call or text 929-314-0899 or email brooklynmutualaid@gmail.com.
